There is something divine about festivals outside of the UK that often have fans jealous and in despair, and no wonder as this year’s Festival Internacional de Benicàssim line up pulls a variety of big hitters over four days in July. In previous years the festival has hosted acts such as Oasis, The Cure and The Killers, building up a reputation for being one of the best festivals in all of Europe due to its location, line ups and its all round party atmosphere.
This year’s headliners are in line with that splendid reputation. Thursday will see the stage assaulted by self-dubbed future dancehall group Major Lazer and UK grime sensation Skepta, and the Friday stage by electronic veterans The Chemical Brothers supported by Biffy Clyro, Jamie xx and The Vaccines. The Saturday evening will be given over to Muse, Disclosure and Bloc Party, and the long weekend will close on Sunday with a send-off from rapper Kendrick Lamar, The Maccabees and The 1975. Other acts to look forward to include Hannah Wants, Hinds, and special Sunday guests Massive Attack.
Benicàssim has so much to offer besides the music. A three hour drive away from Barcelona and just over an hour from Valencia, the town of Benicàssim is located on the Costa del Azahar meaning festival-goers will need to hitch a bus ride or train from either Barcelona or Valencia. To avoid the heat of the Spanish sun acts start performing at 6pm, with the headliners playing at about 1am.
During the day there is plenty to do while the sun keeps everyone in a good mood. There are many bars and food stalls selling Spanish cuisine along with the usual festival food, and with the campsite being just a short walk from the beach there’s the option to chill out and relax before the bustle of the music begins in the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a waterpark right by the festival site that charges around €25, with many festival goers choosing this as the best way to cool off and still enjoy the sun. With the inevitably good weather and the variety of top acts, Benicàssim 2016 looks to be the envy of the festival circuit.
For more information on Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, line up, tickets and venue visit the website via this link.
